Felon in Possession Lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia
A felon in possession of a firearm charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is a federal offense carrying up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Gloucester County. Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997 to provide aggressive federal representation.
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, receive, or transport any firearm or ammunition. This statute applies to individuals with prior felony convictions in any jurisdiction. The offense is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Gloucester County. A conviction under § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with mandatory minimum sentences applicable in certain circumstances, such as when the firearm is used in connection with drug trafficking or violent crime. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII)
For the full text of the federal statute governing felon in possession charges, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site). For the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to this offense, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for felon in possession charges when the defendant has a prior violent felony conviction. We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories, arguing that the defendant had knowledge and control over the firearm even if it was not physically on their person.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and document the circumstances of the alleged possession.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment with your attorney for procedural defects.
- Prepare for the detention hearing to argue for pretrial release.
- Develop a defense strategy, including potential suppression motions.
In Gloucester County, a felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with potential mandatory minimums for certain prior convictions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Felon in Possession with Prior Violent Felony (Armed Career Criminal Act) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 15 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has extensive experience defending federal criminal charges in the Eastern District of Virginia, including felon in possession cases. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal matters, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor to build effective defense strategies.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results across Virginia, including favorable outcomes in federal criminal cases. While specific Gloucester County federal case results are not available, the firm has achieved dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements in numerous federal matters across the Eastern District of Virginia. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 45 miles from Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061), with access via Route 17 and I-64. We serve as a felon in possession lawyer near Gloucester County. Serving the communities of Gloucester and Gloucester Point. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession Charges in Gloucester County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Gloucester County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Gloucester County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Gloucester County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Gloucester County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Gloucester County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Gloucester County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Gloucester County?
Gloucester County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Gloucester County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action.
Learn more about our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia services. For related localities, see our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake pages. For other practice areas in Gloucester County, see Underage Drinking Lawyer Gloucester County and Carjacking Lawyer Gloucester County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in federal law and court procedures.